Expert Plumbing teams up with Bournville College to take on new apprentice

Expert Plumbing, anemergency response company, have recently taken on an apprentice completing the Level 2 Certificate in Basic Plumbing with the support of Bournville College, recognising the vital role apprentices hold for the future of the plumbing industry.

Expert Plumbing, anemergency response company, have recently taken on an apprentice completing the Level 2 Certificate in Basic Plumbing with the support of Bournville College, recognising the vital role apprentices hold for the future of the plumbing industry.

Bournville College have been working hard to establish links with the local plumbing and heating industry and with recent changes in plumbing qualifications, it is now more important than ever to create apprenticeship opportunities, giving apprentices the chance to gain valuable hands on experience as well as achieve their qualifications.

Craig Wooldridge and his partner set up Expert Plumbing in 2010, initially starting as an emergency response company. Since then, they have diversified their business into instillation and plumbing maintenance of void properties and sites.

With over 30 years’ experience within the plumbing industry, Craig is helping to encourage others to offer apprenticeships and realises there is a need for apprentices, not only for companies now but for the future of the industry.

Having already taken on five apprentices previously, Craig believes that it is important for the future of the plumbing industry for companies to invest in the younger generation.

He said: "It is imperative for students looking to progress in the plumbing industry to take apprenticeships; not only do they learn the basics and theory at College but we can teach them the practical side.

"We can train an apprentice from start to finish and put them with a local engineer to gain as much experience as possible.

John Wooldridge (16), currently completing his Level 2 Certificate in Basic Plumbing as part of his apprenticeship believes that this training scheme is invaluable in helping to gain employment within the plumbing industry.

He said: "I would definitely recommend the course to others looking to go into the plumbing industry.

"The apprenticeship has given me the chance to gain hands on experience as well as working towards my plumbing qualification. Bournville College have been really supportive through the different stages of my apprenticeship and Expert Plumbing have helped to provide me with the experience needed in the industry."

Pete Osman, Plumbing Lecturer at Bournville College said: ‘With the change in the new plumbing qualification, we felt as a college it was important to make links with local industries and recognise the need for the future of plumbing.

"We need local companies to help the future of the industry and promote training in plumbing and heating.

"We at Bournville College are passionate about doing so and feel we are making positive progress in establishing these links.”

Whatever the size of the organisation, Bournville College specialises in delivering apprenticeships within a range of industries such as logistics, railway engineering, manufacturing, business administration, healthcare, construction and many more.